Falls send more than 300,000 people to the hospital each year. SYNERGY HomeCare gerontologist Dr. Macie Smith explains why seniors are more susceptible to falls and what you can do to prevent them.
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Video Transcription:
Did you know that falls send more than 300,000 people to the hospital every year? Older adults are more likely to experience a fall due to loss of balance or strength or from medications that can make them drowsy, dizzy or lightheaded.
The team at SYNERGY HomeCare created a downloadable Fall Prevention Guide that can be found on the website, but I wanted to share some tips with you that you can look for in Mom and Dad’s home and fix if necessary.
You want to reduce clutter and hide exposed wires and cables. Look at the cabinets and make sure that everyday items can be accessed without a step stool.
We want to reduce steps as much as possible so move everyday items from an upstairs closet to the main floor.
Secure small throw rugs with a non-slip backing or remove them all together.
Place non-slip mats on shower floors and bathtubs. Make sure there’s adequate lighting especially in the hallways and stairways.
While we have so many other great ideas in the guide on the website, I have one more really big suggestion: Mom and dad need to understand that as they age, the impact of side effects and interactions of their medications may change. If they have any drowsiness, lightheadedness, disorientation or confusion, they need to tell you and/or their doctor right away.
We’ve got so much more in our What to Expect as our Loved Ones Age series and our Family Caregiver Ultimate Guide at SYNERGYHomeCare.com or find a location near you. See you next time!
Dr. Macie P. Smith is a licensed gerontology social worker who is focused on helping families support their aging loved ones through long-term care. Specifically, Dr. Smith educates caregivers on how to care for seniors with dementia. She is an advocate for specialized care and assists others in finding a way to provide a better quality of life for individuals with Alzheimer’s or dementia. Dr. Smith has dedicated over 22 years of her life working in gerontology and assisting families in finding personalized solutions for dementia care. For more articles by Dr. Macie Smith, go to https://synergyhomecare.com/blog/.
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For more fall prevention tips, download SYNERGY HomeCare’s free Fall Prevention Guide.
SYNERGY HomeCare offers no obligation home assessments. Find a location near you or Contact us to learn how we can help identify fall risks and make recommendations to create a safer home environment.
